Burnham Bunch: On Hiatus

Why? Oh, why?

For the last whatever-many years, I have planned a storytime for January. In one form or another, I have offered something for the preschoolers and their parents/caregivers. I have organized the traditional sign-up storytime, a drop-in storytime, a kid and parent meet 'n greet and a few more.... and you know what no one shows up.

January is hard. Either the kiddos, their parents, or siblings are sick. Maybe the moms' just want to stay inside on a cold day or wind-down after the hub-bub of the holidays? Perhaps, there is lots of wintry weather, which causes us to either cancel or makes it difficult for parents to get out and to the library on-time. So, this year I decided not to offer anything and take the time to plan the next few months of storytime. I also intend to make a large dent in planning Summer reading.

Last week I received a phone call from one of the twenty parents whose kiddo comes to storytime. She was very upset and angry -- basically disgruntled over the lack of storytime for January. I can see her point, it is cold out and they are in want for an activity and time for her child to socialize with other children her age. I tried to explain that statistically nobody comes out to storytime in January and stated all the reasons that I mentioned above. She was NOT happy! I could mention all the things that she said, but I will just get upset again!!

In the end, I have to wonder why ONE disgruntled person can make me feel this upset. While the other TWENTY parents are so wonderfully-kind and supportive. Why? Oh, why? Oh, why?